Overweight and Obesity Among Primary School Children in Misurata City-Libya: Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors

Obesity is currently an escalating epidemic that affects many countries in the world where this condition is responsible for increasing death rates annually. This study was performed to find out the prevalence of overweight and obesity and associated risk factors in primary school children in Misurata city, Libya. Height and weight were measured in a sample of 1000 child aged between 6-11 years. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated for each child. Children were categorized according to age and specific percentile of BMI using 2000 CDC BMI - age growth charts. Information on possible risk factors was collected by questionnaire. The results showed that the prevalence of overweight and obesity 15.8% and 12.4% respectively. Viewing TV more than 2 hrs/day, physical exercise, child order and parent obesity were associated with overweight and obesity. In conclusion, prevalence of overweight and obesity primary school children in Misurata, Libya is high and aggressive preventive strategies should be implemented.